Khabib Nurmagomedov is a name that resonates with MMA fans worldwide. The retired lightweight champion boasts a flawless 29-0 record, but it’s his pre-UFC career that has intrigued many.
Khabib’s legendary status in the UFC stems from his unbeatable record. He retired in 2020 with an impressive 29-0 record, having never tasted defeat in his professional MMA career.
Khabib’s ability to retire with his head held high, still being regarded as one of the most popular figures in the UFC, speaks volumes about his dominance in the sport.
While Khabib’s UFC career is well-known, his pre-UFC career remains a mystery to many. In particular, the footage of Khabib wrestling a bear as a child went viral a few years ago.
Recently, another video surfaced on Instagram, showing an 18-year-old Khabib executing a flying armbar against an unknown opponent in a sambo bout.
Khabib retired from MMA in 2020 after defeating Justin Gaethje to retain his UFC lightweight title. Despite pleas from fans and stars, including Conor McGregor and Charles Oliveira, Khabib has stayed true to his word and not returned to the octagon. In March 2021, UFC President Dana White confirmed on Twitter that Khabib would not be returning to the sport.
Despite retiring, Khabib has continued to have an impact on the sport as a coach. He has been seen coaching current UFC lightweight champ Islam Makhachev and his cousin Umar Nurmagomedov, both of whom have bright futures in MMA.
He has teased a return recently again and posted footage seemingly getting back into shape however it’s unlikely that that will turn into anything substantial since it’s likely related to his latest crypto move.